Ruckman Aaron Sandilands returns from a fractured cheekbone, while Clancee Pearce (calf) and Garrick Ibbotson (Achilles tendon) will also get much-needed runs after stints on the sidelines.

With Fremantle almost certain to play either Geelong or Hawthorn in an away qualifying final, Lyon says it is important to rest players so a core group of the squad will not have to travel two weeks in a row.

"If that's viewed as sinister, then we all look through the world with different eyes and different circumstances," he said.

"Last year we flew two weeks in a row (during the finals) off two six-day breaks. We think that had a cumulative effect, so we're planning for a strong campaign."

St Kilda's Justin Koschitzke will play his 200th and final senior match after overcoming a calf injury. The Saints also recalled Tom Lee and Dylan Roberton.

The Swans have made four changes including losing Daniel Hannebery, Rhyce Shaw and Nick Smith because of injuries.

Second-placed Geelong has rested Nathan Vardy and he will be replaced by ruckman Trent West for Saturday's match against Brisbane at Kardinia Park. Brent Moloney is one of three inclusions for the Lions.

Blues inclusions

Carlton, who can play finals if it beats seventh-placed Port Adelaide at Football Park on Saturday, regain Matthew Kreuzer, David Ellard, Andrew Walker and Jeff Garlett, while Brock McLean has a thigh injury.

David Hille and Nathan Lovett-Murray have been recalled by the Bombers for their farewell appearances.

West Coast's three changes include the return of Andrew Embley and Adam Selwood who will play their last senior matches in Saturday night's match at Subiaco Oval against Adelaide.

The Eagles' Will Schofield is out with a fractured cheekbone after the defender was allegedly attacked in his former home town of Geelong last weekend.

Adam Cooney returns for Western Bulldogs, who host Melbourne at Docklands on Sunday.

Luke Ball (calf) is out of Collingwood's side to play North Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday and star onballer Dayne Beams returns. Nathan Grima is determined to play for the Kangaroos despite a foot injury.

Gold Coast named Jarrod Harbrow and Liam Patrick in their squad for Sunday's home encounter against the Giants, who have included Lachie Whitfield.